This is the story of a man time-travelling to stop the French from taking over the Empire, all the while keeping a stiff upper lip. Look out Doctor Who! It’s the Adventures of Stoke Mandeville – Astronaut and Gentleman.

Graham Pennyworth (James Moffatt) finds himself in a parallel dimension. He is joined by the eccentric, pipe smoking Stoke Mandeville (played with gusto by Matthew Taylor). Pennyworth is seen by Stoke as Carstairs MacDonald, a right hand man equal to the task of saving Victorian England when the Empire is thrown into a state of panic by French spies. From royalty to convicts, Stoke is able to take it all in his stride to demonstrate the perfect example of manhood as only a good Englishman can.

Director Christian Reynolds has done well with the casting, but a snappier pace would be welcome.

This play is a must for any science fiction fan, particularly ‘Doctor Who’ lovers. With the current talk of David Tennant’s replacement, this reviewer would suggest Stoke Mandeville – Astronaut and Gentleman.